Amreli: A forest department tracker was injured after being attacked by a lioness during a rescue and release operation near Rampara village in Rajula taluka on Sunday.

The incident occurred during a deworming exercise, part of the department’s summer measures aimed at ensuring safer movement of Asiatic lions in the region.

Officials said the lioness had earlier been captured and was being released back into the wild when it suddenly turned aggressive. The animal charged at the team and attacked a tracker, Naka Ram, causing serious injuries. Forest staff present at the spot acted quickly, rescuing him and preventing further harm. He was immediately taken to a hospital in Mahuva for treatment.

Dr. Jayanti Hadia, a surgeon at the hospital, said a minor surgery was carried out and the tracker is now stable. “Although the injuries were serious, he is out of danger and under observation,” the doctor said.

The lioness, identified as “Lakshmi,” is known to move across the Rampara, Bherai, and Pipavav areas.

The incident has raised concerns within the forest department, with officials indicating that safety protocols for field staff involved in such operations may be reviewed. Local residents have also expressed concern and called for stricter monitoring and preventive steps to avoid similar incidents in the future. DeshGujarat